First Place in Limit - Bitch, Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
I believe that this was my best and hottest contested class of the day. I really enjoyed going over them.
G&T with the tightest and harshest of coats. A coat that one could scrub the dirt from under the fingernails with. She also had an amazing pelt with the thickest skin that I felt on the day. She has a beautiful outline in profile and a very nice feminine head with good eye, ear, correct bite and strong muzzle. She was fit and strong. She stood on good feet and was easily spanned with correct rib and strong loin. She moved true at every angle and the best bit was she moved with real drive, staying correct and keeping everything together at all times. In fact it was this drive and enthusiasm that won her the challenge over the open bitch. When she came up against the dog for best of breed, I was pleasantly surprised at how similar in type they looked. An excellent bitch in my view. BITCH CC.